At least two members of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners say they'll spend what it takes to put an end to brawls in county courts after a second
melee in less than three weeks.

Commissioner Omar Sims, D-Flint, said violence in the Genesee County and the Flint District courts is increasing and can't be allowed to continue.

"The respect and the fear you had of going to jail -- for some it's (turned into) a badge of honor. You havent made it until you spent time in jail," Sims said today. "I don't think we should allow victims' families should be victimized a second time."

That donnybrook came after another incident in a Flint District courtroom on June 26 when the father of a slaying victim punched a murder defendant in the head, setting off a brawl inside a Flint District courtroom.

Video from the latest fight is available here from WJRT-TV (Channel 12).

County board Chairman Ted Henry was on vacation today and said he won't be at county commissioner committee meetings Wednesday when Pickell is expected to ask for help, including the lifting of a hiring freeze for courthouse security.

Commissioner Jamie Curtis, D-Burton, said he wants to be sure the county has looked into every other alternative to spending more money before adding more expenses.

The county is facing a projected budget deficit of more than $15 million in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

But Curtis said the current problems can't be allowed to continue.

"The bottom line is we have an obligation to keep our employees and constituents safe," Curtis said. "We owe them that."